As a bridesmaid, do I bring a gift??

Question

Hello!  I need some advice. I'm a bridesmaid for my cousin and the wedding is in another state, I had to buy my dress and shoes already (which is normal and understandable and fine with me ) but I'm also paying to get there and for a hotel in addition to taking 3 days off work! basically I'm spending/losing a lot of money. I know weddings are important and I feel special to be part of it, I'm just wondering if I have to buy a gift on top of all this???

Answer

I would at least get a card and maybe put in $10-$20 since you've already spent so much and she should appreciate you giving your time to be in her wedding. If anything just a card should do. People really shouldn't be expected to bring gifts anyways. Most weddings I've been to more just brought cards with some money or some put none but at least a card will mean something. You could write a thank you in the card for her letting you be in the wedding.

Answer

My husband and I expected NOTHING from our bridal party, as they were generous enough to come celebrate with us & wear the outfits we picked. A couple did gift us small things, but several gave nothing and we had no issues with that at all. Do what you can... Maybe a small bottle of champagne for their wedding night, or personalized luggage tags for them to use on their honeymoon. Keep it simple & inexpensive, but thoughtful. They will cherish it!

Answer

Wedding etiquette is annoying. Even if I couldn't afford it I would still get something. But i'd have a quiet moan about buying my dress for her wedding x

Answer

Yes! You don't have to spend a ton of money on an item from their registry. It can be a sentimental gift.

Answer

Yes you have to. Its rude not to. Especially when you were special enough to have been asked to be a bridesmaid. Cheap gift a bridesmaid have recently: scrabble words - couples name scrabbled together and glues to burlap, then glued in a frame that has room for scrabble names.

Answer

I did not expect my bridesmaids to give me anything. They had to, as you said, buy their dress, shoes and etc. Weddings aren't about gifts anyhow. I would say a card and maybe a small token just to be safe but certainly nothing extravagant. :)

Answer

Yeah you still have to give a gift.

Answer

Etiquette says you should give a gift you can afford. Something small, even just a card would do. I got married in May & was very hurt by two of my bridesmaids didn't even give a nice card wishing us well.
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Answer

A lot of it depends on your relationship with the bride. I would hope she thinks your presence gift enough, but without knowing her personally it's hard to gauge. You should be honest and talk to her and make sure that she understands why you aren't doing it and that it's not personal. I think it's unfortunate that a lot of people throw their weddings with the expectation of getting a lot of presents from people. You should want to throw the celebration to celebrate, you know? I wish you all the best of luck.

As a bridesmaid, do I bring a gift??

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